The primary purpose of an institutional review board (IRB) is to protect the rights and welfare of people who participate in research activities.

​AAIHB Directors recognized the need to provide critically needed support for tribes to approve, require modification to, or disapprove all health research activities taking place in southwest tribal communities. At their March 2009 meeting, the AAIHB Board passed a resolution to establish the Southwest Tribal IRB to provide services to AAIHB and AASTEC research projects.

Southwest Tribal IRB Services to Tribes in New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas

The Southwest Tribal IRB is available to provide supplemental review of research projects based on federal code and regulations specific to human subjects’ protection. The Southwest Tribal IRB does not supplant or replace local tribal review but is meant to provide additional insight and recommendation. It was determined that Tribes will be required to submit a resolution from their tribal government indicating the approval and authorization of Southwest Tribal IRB services. Visit this website for more information.

SW Tribal IRB Success Story (Ethical Research)

The Southwest Tribal Institutional Review Board continues to review protocols that involve research with Native Americans in the Southwest. IRB members and staff educate tribal communities about ethical research and the protection of human subject through technical assistance, training, and educational outreach. The National Indian Health Board recognized the IRB with a “2014 Local Impact” award at their national meeting.